Phuket Boutique Resort, Sala Expands

Phuket Boutique Resort

SALA diversifies

Three new sala boutique brand properties in Thailand

Phuket Boutique Resort, SALA Resorts and Spas is excited to announce a major company expansion with 3 new properties in the sala boutique brand due to open in the next 6 months: sala lanna, Chiang Mai (Dec 2012), sala rattanakosin, Bangkok (Jan 2013) and sala ayutthaya, Ayutthaya (April 2013). These new hideaways & retreats join the hugely popular sala khao yai, the flagship of the sala boutique brand; the well known SALA Samui Resort & Spa and SALA Phuket Resort & Spa complete the SALA portfolio.

Sala lanna Chiang Mai, opening in December, is conveniently located along the popular east bank of the Ping River, just a short walk to many of Chiang Mai’s enjoyable tourist attractions, bustling street markets and historical sites, which date back to the renowned Lanna Kingdom. This relaxing escape is just a short 5-minute ride from the famous Chiang Mai night market. Many of the 16 rooms have beautiful river views, including the 2-bedroom ping riverview pool suite, destined to become one of Chiang Mai’s premier accommodations. Guests will be able to experience two exciting dining options; the river – a romantic all day dining cafe that subtly transforms into an evening wine bar and bistro, and italia, Chiang Mai’s engaging new Italian dining experience.

Sala rattanakosin Bangkok, named for the current Thai Kingdom of Rattanakosin, is set to debut in January 2013. This boutique retreat is conveniently located in Bangkok’s old city, within walking distance to numerous Thai tourist attractions and historical sites. sala rattanakosin will feature 17 stylish rooms and suites, most with spectacular views of the mighty Chao Phraya River, the inspiring Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) and also the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho). sala rattanakosin also be home to the river, one of Bangkok’s most romantic riverfront dining experiences and the roof lounge, an exciting rooftop bar with dramatic views of the Chao Phraya River and the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun).

Sala ayutthaya, located on the Chao Phraya River in the heart of Ayutthaya, just a short drive from Bangkok, will launch in April 2013. Guests will enjoy discovering and exploring the many historical sites and ancient ruins of the former Siamese Kingdom of Ayutthaya, founded in 1350. This historical haven, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers 27 guest rooms and suites, many with beautiful river and temple views. Additional facilities include a swimming pool, art gallery and the river, certain to be one of Ayutthaya’s most popular bars and restaurants.

Brian Moodie, Chief Operating Officer for SALA, remarks, “We are thrilled to be expanding our sala boutique branded properties in these cultural Thai cities, all of which have important historical significance to Thailand. These retreats, escapes and getaways, in addition with the flagship – sala khao yai – are the ideal enhancements to the beach resorts & spas SALA owns and operates in Samui and Phuket.”

For more information related to media, please contact marketing@salaresorts.com

Phuket Boutique Resort

Sala Phuket is a real Phuket Boutique Resort and well worth a vists if only to sample the excellent dinning and beach side views.

Ironman Champ coming to Laguna Phuket

Ironman 70.3 World Champion to Race Laguna Phuket

In a major coup for Ironman 70.3 Laguna Phuket, recently-crowned 2012 Ironman 70.3 World Champion Leanda Cave has joined the ranks of top professional athletes set to appear at this year’s event.

Welsh Superstar Cave’s entry sets up Thrilling Title Duel

Cave signed up for Laguna Phuket less than 24 hours after completing her epic World Championship victory in Las Vegas on 9 October – and before resuming training for her next title bid at the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii on 13 October.

Her Laguna confirmation has set up a thrilling duel with 2011 Ironman 70.3 World Champion and defending Laguna Phuket 70.3 Champion Melissa Hauschildt of Australia – beaten into fourth place in Las Vegas by Cave – who will be eager not to lose another title to the Welsh superstar.

“To have the brand new Ironman 70.3 World Champion immediately accept our invitation to race at Laguna Phuket is a testament to the drawing power and popularity which characterises our race on the pro circuit,” said Debbie Dionysius, Assistant Vice President of Destination Marketing, Laguna Phuket.

“Attracting such top talent is an indication of the international stature we’ve achieved and we’re looking forward to a fantastic display of world-class competition.”

 The competitive mix

The Laguna Phuket 2012 competitive mix is also fuelled by Czech Olympian Radka Vodickova and Australian veteran Belinda Granger – both vying to become the first women’s Triple Champion of Laguna Phuket Triathlon (LPT), a week earlier on 25 November – and also with points to prove in the 70.3.

Cave, an ITU World Long Distance Champion, is hitting peak form in the run-up to Kona and Laguna, despite an indifferent start to the year that followed a spectacular end to her 2011 season when she recorded a third-place finish at the Ironman World Championship, a win at Ironman 70.3 Miami, runner-up finish at the ITU World Long Distance Championship in Las Vegas and her first Ironman title in Arizona.

Born in the UK, Cave emigrated as a child to Australia, before moving back to the UK with her Welsh mother. She now lives and trains in Tucson, Arizona and races for both Wales and Great Britain.

Cave is no stranger to Phuket, having raced LPT in 2006 when she was second-placed behind Canadian Samantha McGlone, who then went on to become 2007 Ironman 70.3 World Champion.

Hauschildt, currently battling back from an injury-hit season, made a determined defence of her World 70.3 title in Las Vegas, but her fourth place was more than seven minutes behind Cave’s winning time of 4:28:05.

At Laguna Phuket she’ll be aiming to hold off the challenges of Cave, Rodickova, Granger and a field of other top pros to hold onto her 2011title, which she won with a course record of 4:17:01.

Phuket International Boat Show

Phuket International Boat Show

The 2013 Phuket International Boat Show (PIMEX) will showcase leading marine and lifestyle businesses, products and services from 21 – 24 March at the Royal Phuket Marina on Phuket Island, with a large in-water boat display, 2,500 sqm indoor exhibition space and marina-side activities on the boardwalk.

 The 10^th Anniversary

The 10^th Anniversary PIMEX will be the biggest and best yet, with upto 60 boats in-the-water, a packed Exhibition Hall and a new ‘Marine Market’.

Organisers moved the Show in 2012 from the traditional January slot to March, to accommodate a larger in-water display of quality boats, which proved to be a great success with the largest and highest quality boat display ever seen in Asia.

The date change in 2012 was well-received, and resulted in an increased demand for more in-water display space. The change also meant the quality of product displayed in-the-water, as well as the quality of visitors, was the highest yet,” said Andy Dowden, Show Director.

This year, the in-water area has been expanded further with space for upto 60 boats.

Asian boat show season

Strategically positioned at the start of the Asian boat show season which runs March through May, PIMEX is set to attract more top international boat and marine product brands, and will host a number of regional product launches as companies from around the world come to PIMEX to showcase their latest products for the 2012/13 Asian season.

New for this year is the Marine Market – an outdoor waterside exhibition space catering to trailer boats, marine products and widgets.

 Trailer boats and gadgets.

“We have noted a growing demand in trailer boats – both for exhibitors requiring display space, and from interested buyers. We have created an open space near the Town Square at Royal Phuket Marina which will allow sellers to display small boats on trailers, together with display areas for products, gadgets and widgets. The aim is to attract exhibitors who don’t display in the Exhibition Hall or in-the-water, and give them the chance to be a part of PIMEX,” added Dowden.

Show Director Andy Dowden

The Show will have up to 60 yachts in-the-water from 10m to 35m, power and sail, and smaller trailer yachts for the entry level visitors, with as many as 120 exhibiting companies representing over 250 brands worldwide. Products on display will range from boats to marine equipment and accessories, charter and diving and sailing holidays, technical and design services, marina construction and a wide range of water sports toys and gadgets. Alongside the marine exhibits will be a wide choice of luxury property, reasonably priced condominium projects and investment opportunities together with other iconic branded goods.

 Already 30% of the in-water space is booked and the Exhibition Hall space has seen early reservations in excess of 20%.

For more information, visit www.phuketboatshow.com.

Phuket FM radio 91.5 FM is delighted to be an official media partner with the Phuket International Boat Show